It’s impossible for me to ever talk about OSEA without talking about my Mom. From as far back as I can remember, she was always making natural beauty potions. Growing up, I thought it was normal to take mud baths with your mom or to walk into your bathroom and see a bathtub filled with seaweed.

It didn’t take me long to figure out that we were “the weird family”. It took my little brother even less time–since he was the only boy in elementary school that smelled of essential oils.

As I grew older I came to understand why we were the weird family; after a cancer scare in her early 20’s, my Mom decided to completely change her diet and saw incredible results. Along her health journey, she helped found a wellness center and was put in charge of the spa. She approached her quest for spa products just like food—by reading labels. When she saw what was inside most products, she knew she had to do something and that women deserved safer options. These were the very beginnings of OSEA.

Now, almost 30 years later, the understanding that what you put on your body is as important as what you put in your body is making its way to the mainstream. One organization leading this conversation and raising awareness is Cancer Schmancer, a Malibu-based organization founded by women’s health advocate and cancer survivor, Fran Drescher. Their work is centered around a threefold approach: prevention, early detection and policy change including lobbying efforts to raise awareness about personal care labeling practices.

The best part of growing up with OSEA, has been watching my Mom do and say the same thing decade after decade and seeing how, slowly but surely, the world is catching up. It’s such an honor to able to continue the conversation by supporting Cancer Schmancer’s work. From 10/10/16 – 10/12/16 we’re donating 20% of your purchase to this incredible foundation.